The restaurant scene is expected to be bustling this summer, and it’s not just because we can finally dine outdoors again. A new establishment is set to open, brought to you by Chef John Asbaty and restaurateur Alain Uy, the same duo behind the coveted 3 Arts Café in Chicago.
You’ll be keen on Brick & Mortar if you’ve been to the 3 Arts Café in the Restoration Hardware. The restaurant is anticipated to be just as warm and cozy, and besides the interior, we are eagerly anticipating the menu. Brick & Mortar will offer a modern twist on Midwestern cuisine, presenting a fresh take on classic dishes while highlighting the familiar flavors of the region.
Chef John Asbaty and restaurateur Alain Uy first met in 2003 at Trio in Evanston, where they also crossed paths with Chefs Grant Achatz and Curtis Duffy. Asbaty was part of the opening team at Alinea and later worked with Hogsalt Hospitality, whereas Uy began at Moto and held leadership roles in various establishments, including The Peninsula Chicago.
The two reunited to develop an acclaimed hospitality program at RH (Restoration Hardware) with Brendan Sodikoff, which included the 2015 opening of the 3 Arts Club Café in Chicago’s Gold Coast, along with various other locations nationwide and internationally.
Brick & Mortar will celebrate the best of the Midwest by supporting local farmers and producers, adhering to a philosophy of simplicity and seasonality.
Along with a carefully curated beverage list featuring spirits, craft beers, and wines sourced from the Midwest, the dishes will include familiar comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients, all prepared using the restaurant’s wood-burning hearth.
Where will Brick & Mortar be located?
The address will be 1578 N. Clybourn Avenue.
When will Brick & Mortar open?
The restaurant is aiming for a summer 2025 opening.